Slander refers to defamation that is spoken, while libel refers to defamation that is written.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It depends on jurisdiction
• D. They are interchangeable

Answer: (A)

Think of defamation as two forms based on how the false statement is communicated. Slander refers to defamation that is spoken aloud, while libel refers to defamation that is written or otherwise fixed in a tangible form. The statement is correct because it directly matches these traditional definitions: a spoken false accusation is slander, a written (or similarly permanent) false publication is libel. For example, saying to someone that a coworker stole funds is slander; printing a newspaper article accusing the same person would be libel. In modern practice, some jurisdictions handle defamation more broadly, but the standard distinction by form still explains why this statement is true.